Takefusa Kubo marked his return to form with a stunning performance for Real Sociedad as they faced Villarreal at home on January 13, 2025. The match, held at Reale Arena, saw Kubo score the opening goal, igniting hopes among fans and teammates alike.
Kubo, playing as the right winger in a 4-3-3 formation, showcased his incredible skill just after halftime. At the 51-minute mark, during a counterattack, he maneuvered through defenders with agility, slipping the ball between their legs before unleashing a powerful shot with his left foot, sending the ball crashing against the net. This goal not only marked his fourth of the season in La Liga but also his fifth across all competitions.
Having faced considerable pressure following Japan's disappointing exit from the Asian Cup, where the national team was eliminated at the quarterfinal stage by Iran, Kubo's performance against Villarreal felt like redemption. "My thoughts were to be more involved during difficult times, and I thought this is my limit now," Kubo reflected on his national team struggles. Many fans were eager to see him bounce back, and he did not disappoint.
Real Sociedad's coach, Imanol Alguacil, had faced some challenging games leading up to this clash, with his team failing to secure victories in their last two league matches. The expectations were high as Sociedad looked to achieve at least one win before the winter break. The match against Villarreal was pivotal, not just for the immediate points but also for boosting team morale.
The matchup against Villarreal was especially significant for Kubo, as he had once been part of their youth academy before making his rise to fame at other clubs. His performance was not only about scoring; it was about his contribution to the team's overall play and injecting confidence after significant personal and professional hurdles, including the pressure of being expected to lead the Japanese national team's efforts.
Despite the jubilant goal, the match ended with Real Sociedad triumphantly securing a much-needed victory, alleviating some pressure on them and showcasing Kubo’s capabilities to capitalize on opportunities. The Spanish press has sung praises following his electrifying performance on the field, with one publication noting, "Kubo's unstoppable," highlighting the significance of the match for both Kubo and the team.
Looking back, Kubo’s recent form had been less than notable, especially after the Asian Cup, where he managed to score only once during the tournament, which led to criticisms and discussions about his role within the national setup. After expressing frustrations about not being able to perform at his peak during international duties, Kubo seemed eager to prove himself upon returning to club play. He stated, “I thought I could do more, and I wanted to be more constructive when things got tough. This performance is maybe the turning point I was hoping for.”
This match is likely the start of Kubo leveraging his skills and abilities to climb back to the top of his game. For fans of La Liga and supporters of Real Sociedad, witnessing this resurgence offers optimism for the remainder of the season. The team’s ambitions to qualify for European competitions make every point and performance count.
With victories being hard to come by lately, the next match against Valencia becomes another test. Kubo's manager will look to him to lead the charge and maintain the momentum he has built with this stunning display against Villarreal. Real Sociedad fans can only hope this marks the beginning of Kubo's unstoppable streak as they aim for higher places on the La Liga table and beyond.
Now more than ever, Kubo is expected to deliver on his promise. His brilliance on the pitch could very well change the course of not just his season but Real Sociedad's entire campaign. The coming weeks will be pivotal, making each match increasingly significant for Kubo and his team.